System and method for determining operational status of power-over-ethernet powered loudspeakers in an audio distribution sytem

ABSTRACT

A system and method are described herein, for determining operational status of one or more power-over-Ethernet powered loudspeakers, the system and method comprising: receiving audio data at an audio receiver; transmitting the received audio data from the audio receiver to one or more audio data interface devices using an audio-over-Internet Protocol (AoIP) encoding scheme using an Ethernet cable; receiving the transmitted AoIP encoded audio data at audio data interface device, converting the encoded audio data to an analog audio data signal, transmitting the analog audio data signal to at least one loudspeaker, and broadcasting the same as an acoustic audio signal; substantially continuously receiving and storing status information by a status monitor located in the audio data interface device; and transmitting the received and stored status information to the audio receiver.

PRIORITY INFORMATION

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/282,320 filed Nov. 23, 2021, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

The embodiments described herein relate generally to audio systems, and more particularly to systems, methods, and modes for an operating and improving audio systems.

Background Art

The use of distributed audio loudspeaker systems has become more prevalent recently. Such distributed audio loudspeaker systems can include one or more audio sources, such as a network, microphones, digitally stored music/voice, analog recorded music/voice, among others, amplifiers, loudspeakers, and other related equipment/software. Often times such loudspeakers are active loudspeakers, meaning the loudspeakers have an amplifier associated with each loudspeaker transducer, or a few loudspeaker transducers can share an amplifier. In such cases, power must be provided to the amplifier(s), either through 120/240 VAC wiring (which oftentimes is not already present, so must be added during installation), or through the use of batteries.

Accordingly, a need has arisen for systems, methods, and modes for providing power to the active loudspeakers through a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) system.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the embodiments to substantially solve at least the problems and/or disadvantages discussed above, and to provide at least one or more of the advantages described below.

It is therefore a general aspect of the embodiments to provide systems, methods, and modes for an Op Amp circuit that provides improved response to transients in both load shedding as well as load increasing without any degradation in power factor performance or DC regulation precision and accuracy that will obviate or minimize problems of the type previously described.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Further features and advantages of the aspects of the embodiments, as well as the structure and operation of the various embodiments, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the aspects of the embodiments are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Such embodiments are presented herein for illustrative purposes only. Additional embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein.

According to a first aspect of the embodiments, a method is provided for determining operational status of one or more power-over-Ethernet powered loudspeakers, the method comprising: receiving audio data at an audio receiver; transmitting the received audio data from the audio receiver to one or more audio data interface devices using an audio-over-Internet Protocol (AoIP) encoding scheme using an Ethernet cable; receiving the transmitted AoIP encoded audio data at audio data interface device, converting the encoded audio data to an analog audio data signal, transmitting the analog audio data signal to at least one loudspeaker, and broadcasting the same as an acoustic audio signal; substantially continuously receiving and storing status information by a status monitor located in the audio data interface device; and transmitting the received and stored status information to the audio receiver.

According to a second aspect of the embodiments, a system is provided for determining operational status of one or more power-over-Ethernet powered loudspeakers, the system comprising: an audio receiver; at least one processor that is part of the audio receiver; a memory operatively connected with the at least one processor, wherein the memory stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to execute a method that comprises: receiving audio data at an audio receiver; transmitting the received audio data from the audio receiver to one or more audio data interface devices using an audio-over-Internet Protocol (AoIP) encoding scheme using an Ethernet cable; receiving the transmitted AoIP encoded audio data at audio data interface device, converting the encoded audio data to an analog audio data signal, transmitting the analog audio data signal to at least one loudspeaker, and broadcasting the same as an acoustic audio signal; substantially continuously receiving and storing status information by a status monitor located in the audio data interface device; and transmitting the received and stored status information to the audio receiver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and features of the embodiments will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the following figures. Different aspects of the embodiments are illustrated in reference figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered to be illustrative rather than limiting. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the aspects of the embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 illustrates an audio distribution system that uses Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) loudspeakers, and which includes one or more audio data interface devices that monitor and takes into account the operating status of the one or more PoE loudspeakers in operating the one or more PoE loudspeakers.

FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed view of the audio data interface device shown in FIG. 1 according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the major components of a personal computer (PC), server, laptop, personal electronic device (PED), personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet (e.g., iPad), or any other computer/processor (herein after, “processing device”) suitable for use to implement the method shown in FIG. 5 for remotely monitoring a status of one or more PoE powered loudspeakers used in an audio distribution system using the audio data interface device shown in FIG. 2 according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a network system within which the system and method for remotely monitoring a status of one or more PoE powered loudspeakers used in an audio distribution system using the audio data interface device shown in FIG. 2 can be used, according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method for remotely monitoring a status of one or more PoE powered loudspeakers used in an audio distribution system according to aspects of the embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the inventive concept are shown. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. The scope of the embodiments is therefore defined by the appended claims. The detailed description that follows is written from the point of view of a control systems company, so it is to be understood that generally the concepts discussed herein are applicable to various subsystems and not limited to only a particular controlled device or class of devices, such as audio amplifiers, but can be used in virtually any type of power supply.

Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the embodiments. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular feature, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

The different aspects of the embodiments described herein pertain to the context of a systems, methods, and modes for remotely monitoring a status of one or more PoE powered loudspeakers used in an audio distribution system (as shown in FIG. 1 ) using the audio data interface device shown in FIG. 2 according to aspects of the embodiments, but is not limited thereto, except as may be set forth expressly in the appended claims.

For 40 years Crestron Electronics Inc., has been the world's leading manufacturer of advanced control and automation systems, innovating technology to simplify and enhance modern lifestyles and businesses. Crestron designs, manufactures, and offers for sale integrated solutions to control audio, video, computer, and environmental systems. In addition, the devices and systems offered by Crestron streamlines technology, improving the quality of life in commercial buildings, universities, hotels, hospitals, and homes, among other locations. Accordingly, the systems, methods, and modes described herein can improve audio systems as discussed below.

The systems, methods, and modes described herein substantially alleviate the problems of determining a status of remotely located PoE loudspeakers, especially when they are used in large spaces, such as auditoriums, hospitals, sporting event complexes, and the like.

In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustrations, specific embodiments, or examples. These aspects may be combined, other aspects may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

While some embodiments will be described in the general context of program modules that execute in conjunction with an application program that runs on an operating system on a personal computer, those skilled in the art will recognize that aspects may also be implemented in combination with other program modules.

The following is a list of the elements of the figures in numerical order:

-   100 Audio Distribution System -   102 Audio Receiver -   106 Processor -   108 Memory -   110 Audio Equipment Monitoring Application (AEM App) -   112 Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) Power Interjection Device -   114 Ethernet Transceiver -   116 Audio Data Interface Device -   118 PoE Powered Loudspeaker (PoE LS) -   120 Ethernet Cable -   122 Network -   124 Cloud Based Digital Audio Video Sources -   126 Other Digital Audio Video Sources -   128 Analog Audio Video Sources -   130 Analog Audio Video Receiver & Analog-to-Digital Converter     Processing -   202 Ethernet Power Extraction Device -   204 Digital-to-Analog Converter -   206 Power Processing Device -   208 Status Monitor -   210 Amplifier -   212 Temperature/Humidity Sensor(s) -   300 Processing Device -   304 Microprocessor Internal Memory -   306 Computer Operating System (OS) -   308 Internal Data/Command Bus (Bus) -   312 Read-Only Memory (ROM) -   314 Random Access Memory (RAM) -   316 Printed Circuit Board (PCB) -   318 Hard Disk Drive (HDD) -   320 Universal Serial Bus (USB) Port -   322 Ethernet Port -   324 Video Graphics Array (VGA) Port or High Definition Multimedia     Interface (HDMI) -   326 Compact Disk (CD)/Digital Video Disk (DVD) Read/Write (RW)     (CD/DVD/RW) Drive -   328 Floppy Diskette Drive (FDD) -   330 Integrated Display/Touchscreen (Laptop/Tablet etc.) -   332 Wi-Fi Transceiver -   334 BlueTooth (BT) Transceiver -   336 Near Field Communications (NFC) Transceiver -   338 Third Generation (3G), Fourth Generation (4G), Fifth Generation     (5G), Long Term Evolution (LTE) (3G/4G/5G/LTE) Cellular Transceiver -   340 Communications Satellite/Global Positioning System (Satellite)     Transceiver -   342 Mouse -   344 Scanner/Printer/Fax Machine -   346 Universal Serial Bus (USB) Cable -   348 High Definition Multi-Media Interface (HDMI) Cable -   350 Ethernet Cable (CATS) -   352 External Memory Storage Device -   354 Flash Drive Memory -   356 CD/DVD Diskettes -   358 Floppy Diskettes -   360 Keyboard -   364 Antenna -   366 Shell/Box -   402 Modulator/Demodulator (Modem) -   404 Wireless Router -   406 Internet Service Provider (ISP) -   408 Server/Switch/Router -   410 Internet -   412 Cellular Service Provider -   414 Cellular Telecommunications Service Tower (Cell Tower) -   416 Satellite System Control Station -   418 Global Positioning System (GPS) Station -   420 Satellite (Communications/GPS) -   422 Mobile Electronic Device (MED)/Personal Electronic Device (PED) -   424 Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) Provider -   500 Method for Determining Operational Status of Power-over-Ethernet     Powered Loudspeakers in an Audio Distribution System -   502-510 Steps of Method 500

Used throughout the specification are several acronyms, the meanings of which are provided as follows:

3G Third Generation 4G Fourth Generation 5G Fifth Generation ADS Audio Distribution System API Application Programming Interface App Executable Software Programming Code/Application ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit BIOS Basic Input/Output System BT BlueTooth CD Compact Disk CRT Cathode Ray Tube DC Direct Current DVD Digital Video Disk EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory FDD Floppy Diskette Drive FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array GAN Global Area Network GPS Global Positioning System GUI Graphical User Interface HDD Hard Disk Drive HDMI High Definition Multimedia Interface ISP Internet Service Provider LCD Liquid Crystal Display LED Light Emitting Diode Display LTE Long Term Evolution MODEM Modulator-Demodulator NFC Near Field Communications OS Operating System PC Personal Computer PED Personal Electronic Device PoE Power-over-Ethernet POTS Plain Old Telephone Service PPD Power Processing Device PROM Programmable Read Only Memory RAM Random Access Memory ROM Read-Only Memory RW Read/Write USB Universal Serial Bus (USB) Port UV Ultraviolet Light UVPROM Ultraviolet Light Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory VGA Video Graphics Array

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, and other types of structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those of skill in the art can appreciate that different aspects of the embodiments can be practiced with other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and comparable computing devices. Aspects of the embodiments can also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Aspects of the embodiments can be implemented as a computer-implemented process (method), a computing system, or as an article of manufacture, such as a computer program product or computer readable media. The computer program product can be a computer storage medium readable by a computer system and encoding a computer program that comprises instructions for causing a computer or computing system to perform example process(es). The computer-readable storage medium is a computer-readable memory device. The computer-readable storage medium can for example be implemented via one or more of a volatile computer memory, a non-volatile memory, a hard drive, a flash drive, a floppy disk, or a compact disk, and comparable hardware media.

Throughout this specification, the term “platform” can be a combination of software and hardware components for providing share permissions and organization of content in an application with multiple levels of organizational hierarchy. Examples of platforms include, but are not limited to, a hosted service executed over a plurality of servers, an application executed on a single computing device, and comparable systems. The term “server” generally refers to a computing device executing one or more software programs typically in a networked environment. More detail on these technologies and example operations is provided below.

A computing device, as used herein, refers to a device comprising at least a memory and one or more processors that includes a server, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smart phone, a vehicle mount computer, or a wearable computer. A memory can be a removable or non-removable component of a computing device configured to store one or more instructions to be executed by one or more processors. A processor can be a component of a computing device coupled to a memory and configured to execute programs in conjunction with instructions stored by the memory. Actions or operations described herein may be executed on a single processor, on multiple processors (in a single machine or distributed over multiple machines), or on one or more cores of a multi-core processor. An operating system is a system configured to manage hardware and software components of a computing device that provides common services and applications. An integrated module is a component of an application or service that is integrated within the application or service such that the application or service is configured to execute the component. A computer-readable memory device is a physical computer-readable storage medium implemented via one or more of a volatile computer memory, a non-volatile memory, a hard drive, a flash drive, a floppy disk, or a compact disk, and comparable hardware media that includes instructions thereon to automatically save content to a location. A user experience can be embodied as a visual display associated with an application or service through which a user interacts with the application or service. A user action refers to an interaction between a user and a user experience of an application or a user experience provided by a service that includes one of touch input, gesture input, voice command, eye tracking, gyroscopic input, pen input, mouse input, and keyboards input. An application programming interface (API) can be a set of routines, protocols, and tools for an application or service that allow the application or service to interact or communicate with one or more other applications and services managed by separate entities.

While example implementations are described using audio networks herein, embodiments are not limited to such applications. For example, aspects of the embodiments can be employed in stand-alone audio systems, such as a room in a building that can play be audio through a dedicated system not connected to any network, and further can be used with any personal audio/video device. Anytime audio/video is received for viewing by a user, whether in or through a network or not, systems, methods, and modes of the aspects of the embodiments can determine the status of PoE powered loudspeakers.

Technical advantages exist for determining the operational status of PoE powered loudspeakers in an audio distribution system. Such technical advantages can include, but are not limited to, determining what loudspeakers are operating properly in an audio distribution system that encompasses thousands of square feet of space, for example in a shopping mall, government buildings, sports arenas/complexes, and the like.

Aspects of the embodiments address a need that arises from very large scale of operations created by networked computing and cloud-based services that cannot be managed by humans. The actions/operations described herein are not a mere use of a computer, but address results of a system that is a direct consequence of software used as a service such as audio network communication services offered in conjunction with communications.

While some embodiments will be described in the general context of program modules that execute in conjunction with an application program that runs on an operating system on a personal computer, those skilled in the art will recognize that aspects may also be implemented in combination with other program modules.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate various aspects of systems, methods, and modes for alleviating the problems of determining the operational status of PoE powered loudspeakers in an audio distribution system, and which can be used in an audio network for use on or with one or more computing devices, including, according to certain aspects of the embodiments, use of the internet or other similar networks. Further, such systems, modes, and methods can be used with personal communications devices, and which can be used in an audio network for use on or with one or more computing devices, including, according to certain aspects of the embodiments, use of the internet or other similar networks.

The determination of the operational status of PoE powered loudspeakers in an audio distribution system provides a practical, technical solution to the problem of audio system that are distributed over larges areas, such as are described above: as those of skill in the art can appreciate, the aspects of the embodiments have no “analog equivalent” as its embodiments reside solely or substantially in the physical device or computer domain. That is, determining the operational status of PoE powered loudspeakers in an audio distribution system can be used with one or more computing devices, including, according to certain aspects of the embodiments, use of the internet or other similar networks. The systems, methods, and modes of the aspects of the embodiments, for determining the operational status of PoE powered loudspeakers in an audio distribution system always meant, and continues to mean, using practical, non-abstract physical devices.

The technological improvement of the aspects of the embodiments resides in at least in the ability to quickly and easily alleviate the problems of determining the operational status of PoE powered loudspeakers in an audio distribution system using sophisticated computer hardware.

FIG. 1 illustrates an audio distribution system (ADS) 100 that uses Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) powered loudspeakers (PoE LS) 118, and which includes one or more audio data interface (ADI) devices 116 that monitor and takes into account the operating status of the one or more PoE LS 118 in operating the one or more PoE LS s 118.

ADS 100 comprises at least one audio receiver 102, ethernet cable 120, at least one PoE power interjection device 112, at least one Ethernet transceiver 114, at least one audio data interface (ADI) device 116, and at least one PoE LS 118. ADS 100 can be connected to network 122, which provides access to cloud based digital sources of audio signals 124, and other digital audio signal sources 126 to be received by audio receiver 102. Audio receiver 102 can also receive analog audio signals 128, which can then be processed by analog audio receiver & analog-to-digital converter (ADC) processing circuitry 130, the lattermost of which converts received analog audio signals to digital audio signals for processing within ADS 100 according to aspects of the embodiments.

Audio receiver 102 comprises processor 106, memory 108, and audio equipment monitoring application (App) 110, which can be stored in internal/external memory 108. Processor 106 can then execute the code in App 110 and performs the audio processing and monitoring and power steering functions as described herein.

According to aspects of the embodiments, ADI device 116 determines the operating status of each PoE LS 118 to which it is connected. Audio receiver 102 then interfaces with ADI device 116 to monitor the operating status of each PoE LS 118, and then use that information to distribute audio signals and power to each of the one or more PoE LS s 118 as its operating status dictates. Such operating status can include the amount of power that each PoE LS 118 draws (which can be a measured amount (e.g., 8 watts), or percentage of maximum allowable power, or some other manner of measuring power usage). The operating status can further include the age of the respective PoE LS 118, whether the use is indoors v. outdoors, the temperature and/or humidity of the environment in which the particular PoE LS 118 operates within. The operating status can further include whether or not the particular PoE LS 118 is operational. All or some of the above noted status information can then be used to make determinations by App 110 as to whether to turn on/off audio signal flow to any respective PoE LS 118, and/or how much power to be directed to any respective PoE LS 118.

According to aspects of the embodiments, at least one advantage of moderating power flow to each of PoE LS 118 it to prevent over-driving any one of the one or more PoE LS 118. In addition, if one or more of a plurality of PoE LSs 118 becomes non-operational, additional power can be transferred to other PoE LSs 118 if they can handle the additional load. According to further aspects of the embodiments, each PoE LS 118 can also include a battery backup for momentary spikes of higher current loads.

Although audio data can be transmitted in an analog fashion, for the purposes of this discussion, the audio data will be considered to be transmitted digitally via ethernet cable 120. Digital audio data is encoded into an ethernet format, typically an audio-over-internet protocol (AoIP) and transmitted by ethernet transceiver 114 from audio transceiver 102. Power is provided to active loudspeakers 118 a,b using PoE power interjection device 112 according to aspects of the embodiments. The IP encoded digital audio data (transmitted as AoIP) is received by one or more ADI devices 116 a,b and amplified analog audio is transmitted to respective loudspeakers 118 a,b and acoustic audio signals are then broadcast.

FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed view of ADI device 116 according to aspects of the embodiments. AoIP encoded digital audio data is received through ethernet cable 120 by ethernet transceiver 114, and can be secured through encryption if desired. Power is extracted from ethernet cable 120 by ethernet power extraction device 202, which then provides power-to-power processing device (PPD) 206. PPD 206 provides direct current (DC) power to any active device in ADI device 116 (these connections have been omitted in fulfillment of the dual purposes of clarity and brevity). PPD 206 also can include a battery backup, which can be charged over time, using power not otherwise consumed by any of the active devices within ADI device 116. The battery backup can be used to provide additional short term power to amplifier 210 as needed or other devices should the need arise

Digital audio data is processed by digital to analog converter (DAC) 204, and its analog output is provided to amplifier 210. The output of amplifier 210 is sent to one or more PoE LS 118.

Status monitor 208 is a processor based device that monitors the status of one or more of the active devices in ADI device 116, which includes temperature/humidity sensor 212, amplifier 210, DAC 204, ethernet transceiver 114, ethernet power extraction device 202, PPD 206, and temperature/humidity sensor 212. Status monitor 208 will substantially continuously monitor the status of the different devices in ADI device 116, and store the status information. Status monitor 208 can (a) report status information when requested by AEM App 110; (b) report status information periodically absent any requests by AEM App 110; and/or (c) report status information when it detects one or more anomalies. Such anomalies can include, but are not limited to, under- and over-voltage conditions, under- and over-current conditions, under- and over-temperature conditions both in regard to devices within audio date interface device 116 or environmentally outside ADI device 116. As such, status monitor 208 comprises at least one processor 106, memory device(s) 108, and AEM App 110 according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates method 500 for determining operational status of one or more PoE powered loudspeakers used in an audio distribution system according to aspects of the embodiments.

Method 500 begins with method step 502. In method step 502, audio data is received at audio receiver 102.

In method step 504, audio data is transmitted by audio receiver 102 to one or more ADI devices 116 via Ethernet cable 120, using an AoIP encoding scheme.

In method step 506, the encoded AoIP data is received by the one or more ADI devices 116, decoded, processed (if needed, by a digital signal processor (DSP), converted to an analog signal by DAC 204, amplified by amplifier 210, transmitted to one or more PoE LSs 118, and broadcast as an acoustic signal.

In method step 508, status monitor 208 substantially continuously receives status information from one or more of the devices in ADI device 116, as well as internal/external environmental conditions, and stores the same.

In method step 510, status monitor 208 transmits received and stored status information to audio receiver 102 under the following conditions: (a) per request; (b) periodically; and/or (c) upon detection of an anomaly in the status information, wherein such anomalies have been described above in detail.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the major components of a personal computer (PC), server, laptop, personal electronic device (PED), personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet (e.g., iPad), or any other processing device/computer, such as AVD circuit 100 (herein after, “processing device 300”) suitable for use to implement method 500 among others, for determining operational status of one or more PoE LSs 118 used in an audio distribution system 100 according to aspects of the embodiments.

Processing device 300 includes microprocessor 106, with memory 108, within which was stored AEM App 110; in regard to FIG. 3 , memory 108 can take the form of microprocessor internal memory 304, hard disk drive (HDD) 318, random access memory (RAM) 314, and read only memory (ROM) 312, as described in greater detail below.

Processing device 300 comprises, among other items, a shell/box 366, integrated display/touchscreen 330 (though not used in every application of the computer), internal data/command bus (bus) 308, printed circuit board (PCB) 316, and one or more processors 106, with processor internal memory 304 (which can be typically ROM and/or RAM). Those of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that in modern computer systems, parallel processing is becoming increasingly prevalent, and whereas a single processor would have been used in the past to implement many or at least several functions, it is more common currently to have a single dedicated processor for certain functions (e.g., digital signal processors) and therefore could be several processors, acting in serial and/or parallel, as required by the specific application. Processing device 300 further comprises multiple input/output ports, such as universal serial bus (USB) ports 320, Ethernet ports 322, and video graphics array (VGA) ports/high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) ports 324, among other types. Further, processing device 300 includes externally accessible drives such as compact disk (CD)/digital versatile disk (DVD) read/write (RW) (CD/DVD/RW) drive 326, and floppy diskette drive (FDD) 328 (though less used currently, some computers still include this type of interface). Processing device 300 still further includes wireless communication apparatus, such as one or more of the following: Wi-Fi transceiver 332, BlueTooth (BT) transceiver 334, near field communications (NFC) transceiver 336, third generation (3G)/fourth Generation (4G)/long term evolution (LTE)/fifth generation (5G) transceiver (cellular transceiver) 338, communications satellite/global positioning system (satellite) transceiver 340, and antenna 364.

Internal memory that is located on PCB 316 itself can comprise HDD 318 (these can include conventional magnetic storage media, but, as is becoming increasingly more prevalent, can include flash drive memory 354, among other types), ROM 312 (these can include electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROMs), ultra-violet erasable PROMs (UVPROMs), among other types), and RAM 314. Usable with USB port 320 is flash drive memory 354, and usable with CD/DVD/RW drive 326 are CD/DVD diskettes (CD/DVD) 356 (which can be both read and write-able). Usable with FDD 328 are floppy diskettes 358. External memory storage device 352 can be used to store data and programs external to processing device 300, and can itself comprise another HDD 318, flash drive memory 354, among other types of memory storage. External memory storage device 352 is connectable to processing device 300 via universal serial bus (USB) cable 346. Each of the memory storage devices, or the memory storage media (108, 318, 312, 314, 352, 354, 356, and 358, among others), can contain parts or components, or in its entirety, executable software programming code or application that has been termed AEM App 110 according to aspects of the embodiments, which can implement part or all of the portions of method 500 among other methods not shown, described herein.

In addition to the above described components, processing device 300 also comprises keyboard 360, external display 330, printer/scanner/fax machine 344, and mouse 342 (although not technically part of the processing device 300, the peripheral components as shown in FIGS. 3 (352, 120, 360, 342, 354, 356, 358, 346, 350, 344, and 348) are adapted for use with processing device 300 that for purposes of this discussion they shall be considered as being part of the processing device 300). Other cable types that can be used with processing device 300 include RS 232, among others, not shown, that can be used for one or more of the connections between processing device 300 and the peripheral components described herein. Keyboard 360, and mouse 342 are connectable to processing device 300 via USB cable 346, and external display 120 is connectible to processing device 300 via VGA cable/HDMI cable 348. Processing device 300 is connectible to network 122 via Ethernet port 322 and Ethernet cable 350 via a router and modulator-demodulator (MODEM) and internet service provider, none of which are shown in FIG. 3 . All of the immediately aforementioned components (324, 352, 120, 360, 342, 354, 356, 358, 346, 350, and 344) are known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and this description includes all known and future variants of these types of devices.

External display 120 can be any type of currently available display or presentation screen, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), light emitting diode displays (LEDs), plasma displays, cathode ray tubes (CRTs), among others (including touch screen displays). In addition to the user interface mechanism such as mouse 342, processing device 300 can further include a microphone, touch pad, joystick, touch screen, voice-recognition system, among other inter-active inter-communicative devices/programs, which can be used to enter data and voice, and which all of are currently available and thus a detailed discussion thereof has been omitted in fulfillment of the dual purposes of clarity and brevity.

As mentioned above, processing device 300 further comprises a plurality of wireless transceiver devices, such as Wi-Fi transceiver 332, BT transceiver 334, NFC transceiver 336, cellular transceiver 338, satellite transceiver 340, and antenna 364. While each of Wi-Fi transceiver 332, BT transceiver 334, NFC transceiver 336, cellular transceiver 338, and satellite transceiver 340 has their own specialized functions, each can also be used for other types of communications, such as accessing a cellular service provider (not shown), accessing network 122 (which can include the Internet), texting, emailing, among other types of communications and data/voice transfers/exchanges, as known to those of skill in the art. Each of Wi-Fi transceiver 332, BT transceiver 334, NFC transceiver 336, cellular transceiver 338, satellite transceiver 340 includes a transmitting and receiving device, and a specialized antenna, although in some instances, one antenna can be shared by one or more of Wi-Fi transceiver 332, BT transceiver 334, NFC transceiver 336, cellular transceiver 338, and satellite transceiver 340. Alternatively, one or more of Wi-Fi transceiver 332, BT transceiver 334, NFC transceiver 336, cellular transceiver 338, and satellite transceiver 340 will have a specialized antenna, such as satellite transceiver 340 to which is electrically connected at least one antenna 364.

In addition, processing device 300 can access network 122 (of which the Internet can be part of, as shown and described in FIG. 4 below), either through a hard wired connection such as Ethernet port 322 as described above, or wirelessly via Wi-Fi transceiver 332, cellular transceiver 338 and/or satellite transceiver 340 (and their respective antennas) according to aspects of the embodiments. Processing device 300 can also be part of a larger network configuration as in a GAN (e.g., internet), which ultimately allows connection to various landlines.

According to further aspects of the embodiments, integrated display/touchscreen 330, keyboard 360, mouse 342, and external display 120 (if in the form of a touch screen), can provide a means for a user to enter commands, data, digital, and analog information into the processing device 300. Integrated and external displays 330, 120 can be used to show visual representations of acquired data, and the status of applications that can be running, among other things.

Bus 308 provides a data/command pathway for items such as: the transfer and storage of data/commands between processor 106, Wi-Fi transceiver 332, BT transceiver 334, NFC transceiver 336, cellular transceiver 338, satellite transceiver 340, integrated display 330, USB port 320, Ethernet port 322, VGA/HDMI port 324, CD/DVD/RW drive 326, FDD 328, and processor internal memory 304. Through bus 308, data can be accessed that is stored in processor internal memory 304. Processor 106 can send information for visual display to either or both of integrated and external displays 330, 120, and the user can send commands to the computer operating system (operating system (OS)) 306 that can reside in processor internal memory 304 of processor 106, or any of the other memory devices (356, 358, 318, 312, and 314).

Processing device 300, and either internal memories 304, 312, 314, and 318, or external memories 352, 354, 356 and 358, can be used to store computer code that when executed, implements method 500, as well as other methods not shown and discussed, for determining operational status of one or more PoE powered loudspeakers used in an audio distribution system, according to aspects of the embodiments. Hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof can be used to perform the various steps and operations described herein. According to aspects of the embodiments, AEM App 110 for carrying out the above discussed steps can be stored and distributed on multi-media storage devices such as devices 318, 312, 314, 354, 356 and/or 358 (described above) or other form of media capable of portably storing information. Storage media 354, 356 and/or 358 can be inserted into, and read by devices such as USB port 320, CD/DVD/RW drive 326, and FDD 328, respectively.

As also will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the various functional aspects of the aspects of the embodiments can be embodied in a wireless communication device, a telecommunication network, or as a method or in a computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of embodiments can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment or an embodiment combining hardware and software aspects. Further, the aspects of embodiments can take the form of a computer program product stored on a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions embodied in the medium. Any suitable computer-readable medium can be utilized, including hard disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices such a floppy disk or magnetic tape. Other non-limiting examples of computer-readable media include flash-type memories or other known types of memories.

Further, those of ordinary skill in the art in the field of the aspects of the embodiments can appreciate that such functionality can be designed into various types of circuitry, including, but not limited to field programmable gate array structures (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuitry (ASICs), microprocessor based systems, among other types. A detailed discussion of the various types of physical circuit implementations does not substantively aid in an understanding of the aspects of the embodiments, and as such has been omitted for the dual purposes of brevity and clarity. However, the systems and methods discussed herein can be implemented as discussed and can further include programmable devices.

Such programmable devices and/or other types of circuitry as previously discussed can include a processing unit, a system memory, and a system bus that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit. The system bus can be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. Furthermore, various types of computer readable media can be used to store programmable instructions. Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by the processing unit. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media can comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile as well as removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROMs, DVDs or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information, and which can be accessed by the processing unit. Communication media can embody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and can include any suitable information delivery media.

The system memory can include computer storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as ROM and/or RAM. A basic input/output system (BIOS), containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements connected to and between the processor, such as during start-up, can be stored in memory. The memory can also contain data and/or program modules that are immediately accessible to and/or presently being operated on by the processing unit. By way of non-limiting example, the memory can also include an operating system, application programs, other program modules, and program data.

The processor can also include other removable/non-removable and volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media. For example, the processor can access a hard disk drive that reads from or writes to non-removable, nonvolatile magnetic media, a magnetic disk drive that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile magnetic disk, and/or an optical disk drive that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile optical disk, such as a CD-ROM or other optical media. Other removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media that can be used in the operating environment include, but are not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memory cards, digital versatile disks, digital video tape, solid state RAM, solid state ROM and the like. A hard disk drive can be connected to the system bus through a non-removable memory interface such as an interface, and a magnetic disk drive or optical disk drive can be connected to the system bus by a removable memory interface, such as an interface.

Aspects of the embodiments discussed herein can also be embodied as computer-readable codes on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium can include a computer-readable recording medium and a computer-readable transmission medium. The computer-readable recording medium is any data storage device that can store data which can be thereafter read by a computer system. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include ROM, RAM, CD-ROMs and generally optical data storage devices, magnetic tapes, flash drives, and floppy disks. The computer-readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer-readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. The computer-readable transmission medium can transmit carrier waves or signals (e.g., wired, or wireless data transmission through the Internet). Also, functional programs, codes, and code segments to, when implemented in suitable electronic hardware, accomplish or support exercising certain elements of the appended claims can be readily construed by programmers skilled in the art to which the aspects of the embodiments pertains.

The disclosed aspects of the embodiments provide a system and method for determining operational status of one or more PoE powered loudspeakers used in an audio distribution system, according to aspects of the embodiments, on one or more computers or processing devices 300. It should be understood that this description is not intended to limit aspects of the embodiments. On the contrary, aspects of the embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which are included in the spirit and scope of the aspects of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Further, in the detailed description of the aspects of the embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the claimed aspects of the embodiments. However, one skilled in the art would understand that various aspects of the embodiments can be practiced without such specific details.

FIG. 4 illustrates network system 122 within which the system and method for determining operational status of one or more PoE powered loudspeakers used in an audio distribution system can be used, according to aspects of the embodiments. Much of the infrastructure of network system 122 shown in FIG. 4 is or should be known to those of skill in the art, so, in fulfillment of the dual purposes of clarity and brevity, a detailed discussion thereof shall be omitted.

According to aspects of the embodiments, a user of the above described system and method can store AEM App 110 on their processing device 300 as well as mobile electronic device (MED)/PED 422 (hereon in referred to as “PEDs 422). PEDs 422 can include, but are not limited to, so-called smart phones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs), notebook and laptop computers, and essentially any device that can access the internet and/or cellular phone service or can facilitate transfer of the same type of data in either a wired or wireless manner.

PED 422 can access cellular service provider 412, either through a wireless connection (cell tower 414) or via a wireless/wired interconnection (a “Wi-Fi” system that comprises, e.g., modem 402, wireless router 404, internet service provider (ISP) 406, and internet 410 (although not shown, those of skill in the art can appreciate that internet 410 comprises various different types of communications cables, servers/routers/switches 408, and the like, wherein data/software/applications of all types is stored in memory within or attached to servers or other processor based electronic devices, including, for example, AEM App 110 within a computer/server that can be accessed by a user of AEM App 110 on their PED 422 and/or processing device 300). As those of skill in the art can further appreciate, internet 410 can include access to “cloud” computing service(s) and devices, wherein the cloud refers to the on-demand availability of computer system resources, especially data storage and computing power, without direct active management by the user. Large clouds often have functions distributed over multiple locations, each location being a data center.

Further, PED 422 can include NFC, “Wi-Fi,” and Bluetooth (BT) communications capabilities as well, all of which are known to those of skill in the art. To that end, network system 122 further includes, as many homes (and businesses) do, one or more computers or processing devices 300 that can be connected to wireless router 404 via a wired connection (e.g., modem 402) or via a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth). Modem 402 can be connected to ISP 406 to provide internet-based communications in the appropriate format to end users (e.g., processing device 300), and which takes signals from the end users and forwards them to ISP 406.

PEDs 422 can also access global positioning system (GPS) satellite 420, which is controlled by GPS station 418, to obtain positioning information (which can be useful for different aspects of the embodiments), or PEDs 422 can obtain positioning information via cellular service provider 412 using cellular tower(s) (cell tower) 414 according to one or more methods of position determination. Some PEDs 422 can also access communication satellites 420 and their respective satellite communication systems control stations 416 (the satellite in FIG. 4 is shown common to both communications and GPS functions) for near-universal communications capabilities, albeit at a much higher cost than convention “terrestrial” cellular services. PEDs 422 can also obtain positioning information when near or internal to a building (or arena/stadium) through the use of one or more of NFC/BT devices. FIG. 4 also illustrates other components of network 122 such as plain old telephone service (POTS) provider 424.

According to further aspects of the embodiments, and as described above, network 122 also contains other types of servers/devices that can include processing device 300, wherein one or more processors, using currently available technology, such as memory, data and instruction buses, and other electronic devices, can store and implement code that can implement the system and method determining operational status of one or more PoE powered loudspeakers used in an audio distribution system, according to aspects of the embodiments.

According to further aspects of the embodiments, additional features and functions of inventive embodiments are described herein below, wherein such descriptions are to be viewed in light of the above noted detailed embodiments as understood by those skilled in the art.

As described above, an encoding process is discussed specifically in reference to FIG. 5 , although such delineation is not meant to be, and should not be taken in a limiting manner, as additional methods according to aspects of the embodiments have been described herein. The encoding processes as described are not meant to limit the aspects of the embodiments, or to suggest that the aspects of the embodiments should be implemented following the encoding processes. The purpose of the encoding processes as described is to facilitate the understanding of one or more aspects of the embodiments and to provide the reader with one or many possible implementations of the processed discussed herein. FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of various steps performed during the encoding process, but such encoding processes are not limited thereto. The steps of FIG. 5 are not intended to completely describe the encoding processes but only to illustrate some of the aspects discussed above.

This application may contain material that is subject to copyright, mask work, and/or other intellectual property protection. The respective owners of such intellectual property have no objection to the facsimile reproduction of the disclosure by anyone as it appears in published Patent Office file/records, but otherwise reserve all rights.

It should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the embodiments. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which are included in the spirit and scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Further, in the detailed description of the embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the claimed embodiments. However, one skilled in the art would understand that various embodiments may be practiced without such specific details.

Although the features and elements of aspects of the embodiments are described being in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone, without the other features and elements of the embodiments, or in various combinations with or without other features and elements disclosed herein.

This written description uses examples of the subject matter disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the same, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

The above-described embodiments are intended to be illustrative in all respects, rather than restrictive, of the embodiments. Thus, the embodiments are capable of many variations in detailed implementation that can be derived from the description contained herein by a person skilled in the art. No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the embodiments unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items.

All United States patents and applications, foreign patents, and publications discussed above are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

To solve the aforementioned problems, the aspects of the embodiments are directed towards systems, methods, and modes for determining operational status of one or more PoE powered loudspeakers used in an audio distribution system.

ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the different aspects of the embodiments. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for determining operational status of one or more power-over-Ethernet powered loudspeakers, the method comprising: receiving audio data at an audio receiver; transmitting the received audio data from the audio receiver to one or more audio data interface devices using an audio-over-Internet Protocol (AoIP) encoding scheme using an Ethernet cable; receiving the transmitted AoIP encoded audio data at audio data interface device, converting the encoded audio data to an analog audio data signal, transmitting the analog audio data signal to at least one loudspeaker, and broadcasting the same as an acoustic audio signal; substantially continuously receiving and storing status information by a status monitor located in the audio data interface device; and transmitting the received and stored status information to the audio receiver.
 2. A system for determining operational status of one or more power-over-Ethernet powered loudspeakers, comprising: an audio receiver; at least one processor that is part of the audio receiver; a memory operatively connected with the at least one processor, wherein the memory stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to execute a method that comprises: receiving audio data at an audio receiver; transmitting the received audio data from the audio receiver to one or more audio data interface devices using an audio-over-Internet Protocol (AoIP) encoding scheme using an Ethernet cable; receiving the transmitted AoIP encoded audio data at audio data interface device, converting the encoded audio data to an analog audio data signal, transmitting the analog audio data signal to at least one loudspeaker, and broadcasting the same as an acoustic audio signal; substantially continuously receiving and storing status information by a status monitor located in the audio data interface device; and transmitting the received and stored status information to the audio receiver. 